The prospect of Jesse Ryder being part of the Black Caps' World Cup campaign has all but been ruled out by his withdrawal of the New Zealand 'A' tour to the United Arab Emirates.
Otago's Jesse Ryder. Photo: Photosport
Ryder has withdrawn from the side citing personal reasons.
The tour was to be Ryder's chance of proving he could return to the Black Caps environment after being dropped from the side earlier after a night out in Auckland on the eve of the test against India.
New Zealand Cricket's selection manager Bruce Edgar says not getting the chance to see Ryder back in an international environment make's their task of picking for the initial 30-strong World Cup squad all the more difficult.
Bruce Edgar Wellington Firebirds head coach Photo: Photosport
"We were quite reliant on the tour of the UAE and Jesse being involved in that for us to get an informed judgement, not only on his on the field behaviour but the overall package in the team environment and unfortunately we won't get that now."
The initial 30-strong squad to prepare for the World Cup which starts in February will be named next month.
That number will then be reduced to the tournament XV early in the New Year.
The New Zealand 'A' squad leaves for the UAE on Wednesday evening and will play four 50-over games in Dubai, one against the UAE and Afghanistan, and two against Ireland.
Edgar says they may not replace Ryder in the touring party as they could use a couple of the Black Caps who are not on Test duty on the UAE to make their numbers.
The chief executive of Otago Cricket Ross Dykes says in terms of Ryder's domestic commitments in the current Twenty20 competition, they will resolve those with him over the next few days.
Dykes says Otago is disappointed for Ryder but a player's well-being is paramount and, with that in mind, their priority is to help him towards the best possible outcome.